Kerr wins FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2021/22.

The Australia international has once again been the spearhead for Emma Hayes’ side, with Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder in and out of the squad throughout the season with injuries.

She is the current top scorer in the Women’s Super League with 18 goals, including the winner in Thursday’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Tottenham.

What makes her goal haul all the more impressive is that she has not taken any penalties for Chelsea this season, with all of her goals coming from open play. Kerr also has four assists this season.

She has had the most shots on target in the WSL this season (37) and scored the most big chances (11), ranking second behind Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema for the number of shots (63).

Chelsea are currently four points clear of Arsenal in the WSL title race, although Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners have a game in hand, also against Tottenham.

Sky Sports lead WSL pundit Karen Carney said after Chelsea’s victory on Thursday: “She’s the difference for them. This season, you’ve lost Kirby, Harder’s been injured, and she’s got all those goals and assists.

“But she has the pressing and the work rate that every centre-forward in the best teams in the WSL and Premier League do. They all press with intent and Kerr is brilliant at that, on the front foot and starts it for Chelsea. Then there’s the ability to sore and assist.

“The one criticism I have is that she should be scoring more. She has so many opportunities, and probably isn’t as clinical.

“But she is the difference. If Chelsea didn’t have her, they wouldn’t win [the title].”

Chelsea’s remaining fixtures:

May 1 – Birmingham City (a), Women’s Super League, live on Sky Sports
May 8 – Man United (h), Women’s Super League
May 15 – Man City (n), FA Cup final

Here’s how to follow the WSL on Sky Sports…

Sky Sports – All 35 games will be available across Sky Sports’ flagship channels, including Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.

Sky Sports digital – Follow all the latest from the WSL across SkySpots.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage and in-game clips from games live on Sky Sports. You can watch free match highlights from every WSL game this season on Sky Sports’ digital platforms and YouTube channel.

Sky Sports News – Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week Barclays FA WSL fans can enjoy Sky Sports News (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the league and its storylines throughout the season.

Inside the WSL – Hosted by award-winning broadcaster and journalist Jessica Creighton, Inside the WSL is a comprehensive round-up of all things Barclays FA Women’s Super League and women’s football. Airing weekly from Thursday, September 9 on Sky Sports Premier League, the half an hour show will review and preview matches, include in-depth analysis and exclusive player interviews. Viewers can expect gripping behind the scenes access as well as a summary of all the action both on and off the pitch.

Sky Sports Social – Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports’ main social media channels, a new bespoke Twitter channel @SkySportsWSL will be the home of all Barclays FA WSL content on Sky Sports.

To add all the Barclays FA WSL fixtures to your calendar click here.